As West Africa Ebola outbreak worsens, CDC issues Level 3 Travel Warning — CDC surge scaling up response in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning to avoid nonessential travel to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. This Level 3 travel warning is a reflection of the worsening Ebola outbreak in this region.
288 cases of measles reported in 2014 in US and measles cases are growing – Measles is an acute, contagious viral disease, usually occurring in childhood and characterized by eruption of red spots on the skin, fever, and catarrhal symptoms. In US, since January, 288 cases of measles were reported and number is growing.
Vitamin E May Delay Decline in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease — Study Shows Benefit in Activities of Daily Living and Savings in Caregiver Time with Vitamin E – A new research suggests that alpha tocepherol, fat-soluble Vitamin E and antioxidant, may slow functional decline (problems with daily activities such as shopping, preparing meals, planning, and traveling) in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and decrease caregiver burden.
Compound in grapes, red wine could help treat multiple types of cancer, study finds – A recent study by a University of Missouri researcher shows that resveratrol, a compound found in grape skins and red wine, can make certain tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment.
Breast is best: Good bacteria arrive from mum’s gut via breast milk – Another study is highlighting benefit of breastfeeding babies. Important ‘good’ bacteria arrive in babies’ digestive systems from their mother’s gut via breast milk, and this finding does confirm that when it comes to early establishment of gut and immune health, ‘breast is best’.
SARS-Like Virus Kills Man in France — New SARS-like virus is a ‘threat to the entire world’ – A 65 year old man died in northern France from the new SARS like virus. The unnamed man became the first of two confirmed cases of the strain of coronavirus in France this month after returning from a trip to the United Arab Emirates in April.
Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update – Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission notified WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. Both the patients are reported from Zhejiang province.
Using cell phone data to curb the spread of malaria — Study in Kenya finds measuring movement of people could lead to more effective ways to control spread of disease – New research that combines cell phone data from 15 million people in Kenya with detailed information on the regional incidence of malaria has revealed, on the largest scale so far, how human travel patterns contribute to the disease’s spread. The findings indicate that malaria, in large part, emanates from Kenya’s Lake Victoria region and spreads east, chiefly toward the capital, Nairobi.
Gold nanoparticles could treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects than chemotherapy — In new study published in PNAS, scientists found that nanoparticles, produced from chemicals in tea, reduced tumors by 80 percent – Currently, large doses of chemotherapy are required when treating certain forms of cancer, resulting in toxic side effects. The chemicals enter the body and work to destroy or shrink the tumor, but also harm vital organs and drastically affect bodily functions. Now, University of Missouri scientists have found a more efficient way of targeting prostate tumors by using gold nanoparticles and a compound found in tea leaves.
US Pediatrics agency updates guidelines on polio vaccination – Despite significant progress in eliminating polio, wild poliovirus persists in a small number of Asian and African countries. It is essential to ensure high levels of immunity in U.S. children to prevent outbreaks in case the virus is imported here.
